India's final match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers against Hong Kong will be held in Kochi on March 31. Although India is out of contention for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the match is still important for FIFA ranking points.
Though the 41-year-old scored against Maldives in an international friendly, the country's all-time highest goal-scorer failed to find the back of the net in subsequent competitive fixtures for the Blue Tigers.
The camp began in Bengaluru on Thursday.
India have slumped to 142 in the FIFA rankings -- their lowest in nearly a decade.
Kerala will have a new captain in Mohammed Azharuddeen.
The camp is aimed at helping the Blue Tigers prepare for their two 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round in Group C, where they will play two back-to-back matches against Singapore on October 9 at the National Stadium and on October 14 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.
A gritty India fought hard for most part but let in two goals in the last seven minutes to eventually lose 0-3 to defending champions Iran in their second group match of the CAFA Nations Cup football tournament, in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday.
Sanju Samson continues red-hot run in KCL with a quickfire 89.
'Everyone knows what is at stake, and the approach and mindset that we need in these matches.'
With just two points from three games and placed third place in the group, India have no room for error as only the top team can advance.
India face hosts Tajikistan on August 29 followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.
Stimac, whose contract was terminated on Monday, coached India for five years.
His consistency comes at a crucial time, with stiff competition for a spot in India's Asia Cup XI following Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain, and the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma after a stellar IPL season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The Indian men's football team got the better of Oman 3-2 on penalties to finish third in the CAFA Nations Cup in Hisor, Tajikistan, on Monday.
While Samson thrives as an opener, chances of batting at the top look slim.
India face hosts Tajikistan on August 29 followed by matches against Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4.
India eye victory against Afghanistan in push for CAFA Nations Cup play-offs
'Yes, this is an away game against a good team, but we have to prepare accordingly and think only of one thing -- a positive result.'
Since last year, he has found a new lease of life as an opener, scoring three centuries in five innings across series against Bangladesh and South Africa
Bhutia calls for systemic overhaul, urges India to follow Asian football models
CAFA Nations Cup: India qualify for third-place match at expense of Tajikistan
The AIFF said Jamil has signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC.
The squad announcement also marks the return of East Bengal's dependable central defender Anwar Ali, who had been sidelined since February due to a hamstring injury. He last featured in competitive action against Bengaluru FC in the ISL.
There are four first-timers in Jamil's camp of 25 players -- defenders Alex Saji, Sunil Benchamin, Muhammed Uvais, and forward Manvir Singh.
Will Shubman Gill force either Sanju Samson or Tilak Varma out of the playing XI for the Asia Cup opening match against the UAE?
Newly appointed India head coach Khalid Jamil on Sunday cleared the air about the leaving out of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri from the CAFA Nations Cup national camp, saying it was just a preparatory tournament for the crucial Asian Cup qualifying round matches in October.
'We need to be aware that we have a difficult game in Hong Kong. We have time to prepare, to be competitive and try to win and get the three points.'
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri's involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
India are placed in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. The matches will be being played on a home-and-away round-robin format.
India go down 0-1 to Hong Kong in crucial 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match
India, who made it to two successive Asian Cups for the first time in 2023, are aiming to extend the streak. Hong Kong also qualified for the previous tournament, but with only one available berth, either side is bound to miss out.
All eyes on Chhetri as India face Maldives in friendly ahead of Asian Cup qualifier.
Sunil Chhetri returns to the national team,
The match against India on Tuesday, will be his first outing in a Bangladesh jersey.
First win for India since Nov 2023 and first under coach Manolo Marquez.
'At the same time, this may encourage some youngsters in some parts of the country to pursue football.'
Gauahar returns from France... Kartik meets Rohit Dhawan... Vidyut promotes his film...
Sunil Chhetri's return from international retirement at 40 highlights the lack of quality strikers in Indian football.
India was on Sunday drawn in a tricky group along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round matches, beginning March 25 next year.
'I know it's a pressure on the boys that it has been one year, but soon we will win a game. Don't worry, we are on the right track.'
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